Intrapartum complications of macrosomic fetus

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To study the intrapartum complications of macrosomic fetus. DESIGN: Descriptive study. SETTING: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Jinnah Medical & Dental College and Hospital Karachi, Pakistan from April 2003 to December 2004. METHODS: One hundred patients were selected for the study. Age, parity, past obstetric performance and estimated fetal weight by ultrasound were noted. Gestational age at delivery was calculated by date of last menstrual period as well as by early scan if available. RESULTS: Out of 100 patients, 30 cases with intrapartum complications fulfilled the criteria of macrosomia. Among them, 18 had perineal trauma and postpartum haemorrhage, 3 had shoulder dystocia and 9 patients delivered by caesarean section. CONCLUSION: Macrosomic pregnancy is associated with increased incidence of operative vaginal delivery, postpartum haemorrhage and shoulder dystocia. Prevention requires early detection of risk factor and planning for safe delivery.